“Not for fame or reward, not lured by ambition or goaded by necessity, but in simple obedience to duty.” --Inscription at Arlington Cemetary

"Each of these heroes stands in the unbroken line of patriots who have dared to die that freedom might live and grow and increase in its blessings." -- Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Army Spc. David A. Holmes

Remember Our Heroes

Army Spc. David A. Holmes, 34, of Tennille, Ga.

Spc. Holmes was assigned to 810th Engineer Company, Georgia National Guard, Swainsboro, Ga.; died June 26, 21010 at Sayed Abad, Afghanistan, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using an improvised explosive device.

A soldier from Washington County died Saturday in Afghanistan, according to a news release from the Georgia Army National Guard.

They say 34-year-old Sgt. David Alexander Holmes of Tennille died after an improvised explosive device struck his vehicle during a routine patrol in Sayed Abad, Afghanistan.

He was a member of the 810th Engineering Company, based in Swainsboro. Last October, the unit left for a year-long deployment in Afghanistan.

The Guard says he leaves a wife, LaTonya, and three children.

His sister-in-law described David Holmes as outgoing, a people person and family oriented.

She said he is a former U.S. Marine who's worked for the past six years at the Washington State Prison.

Holmes youngest sister, Tina Holmes, says "he was just a sweet, caring, didn't hurt anyone, he was just a good person, just overall he was a wonderful person."

She says being in the military seemed to fit his personality, and he was proud to fight for his country and provide for his family.

She says, "he would always say 'you want me to do this? I bet you don't think I can do this.' He was a daring person, so I feel like that took a part in him joining the army, fighting for his country."

During this tough time, she says, the whole family came together, and it's no surprise many were gathered in the kitchen. She says David Holmes loved to eat and loved to cook.

The family gathered at the home Holmes shared with his wife, LaTonya, and their two young sons, one-year-old Davion and ten-year-old Tejuan in Washington County.

Tina Holmes says she's grateful their family got together last year just before her brother's deployment. That is the last time she saw him.

Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement upon word of the death of Sgt. Holmes: "The loss of Sgt. David Holmes is a stern reminder of the dangers our military men and women face each and every day. Our heartfelt prayers go out to David's wife, LaTonya, their 3 children, and the entire Holmes family.

“As America prepares to celebrate its independence this weekend, we must never lose sight of the fact that we, as one nation, stand on the shoulders of the young men and women who have lost their lives in the line of duty and of those who are on the front lines today. I ask that every Georgian take time this weekend to reflect and say a prayer for the thousands of Georgians fighting overseas so that we can be home with our families."

“The entire Georgia National Guard family grieves alongside the Holmes family on word of his tragic incident in Afghanistan,” said Maj. Gen. Terry Nesbitt, Georgia’s Adjutant General. “Like all Guardsmen, Sgt. Holmes was a true citizen-Soldier, one Georgia’s best, who knew his job and was willing to perform it without personal reservation. From his sacrifice, each of us who wear the uniform is clearly reminded that the values of liberty and freedom are often safeguarded only at an exceptionally heavy price.”

According to Spc. Holmes' younger sister Tina, the family would not be releasing any more statements and have asked to be able to grieve in private.